El Al Boeing 737 Aborts Landing in Tel Aviv Amid Missile Alert

An El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. (El Al) flight aborted its landing at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) on March 5, 2026, after a missile alert was activated in central Israel. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 operating as flight LY5492 from Tbilisi (TBS), was on final approach when the crew initiated a standard go-around procedure. The event underscores the robust safety protocols governing flight operations in conflict zones.

Following the aborted landing, the flight crew safely maneuvered the aircraft into a holding pattern under the direction of Air Traffic Control (ATC). The aircraft circled for approximately 20 minutes while airport authorities implemented precautionary measures on the ground. As part of standard safety protocols for such alerts, Ben Gurion Airport temporarily suspended all takeoffs and landings, effectively freezing the airspace around Israel's primary international gateway to ensure the safety of all aircraft.

A Standard Response to an Atypical Situation

The decision to execute a Go-around procedure is a standard safety maneuver in aviation and not inherently an emergency. It is initiated by the flight crew or instructed by ATC whenever conditions for a safe landing are not met. In this instance, the external security threat prompted the action. A go-around involves applying full power to the engines, reconfiguring the aircraft for climb, and following a predetermined flight path away from the runway to circle back for a later approach once conditions are deemed safe.

The use of a Holding Pattern is also a routine ATC procedure used to manage air traffic flow. It allows aircraft to remain safely in a designated area, typically a racetrack-shaped path in the sky, while awaiting further clearance. This provides time for controllers and airport authorities to resolve ground-based issues, adverse weather, or, as in this case, a security alert, without requiring aircraft to divert to other airports.

Operational Realities in a Conflict Zone

This incident highlights the specific operational challenges and established protocols for airlines operating in regions with active security threats. Civil aviation authorities and airlines in Israel maintain close, real-time coordination with military counterparts to manage airspace dynamically. When a threat is detected, pre-planned procedures are immediately enacted to protect aircraft during their most vulnerable phases of flight: takeoff and landing.

The flight was reportedly part of a series of repatriation flights organized to bring Israeli citizens home after the country's airspace had been partially reopened. This context emphasizes the critical role of the national carrier in maintaining essential air links, even under challenging security circumstances. The successful and safe management of flight LY5492 serves as a practical demonstration of these integrated civil-military aviation safety protocols.

Airport and Airspace Management Protocols

The temporary suspension of all air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport is a critical component of the safety response. This measure prevents other aircraft from entering a potentially hazardous area and clears the immediate airspace to allow the aircraft on approach to maneuver without conflict. The decision is typically made by the national aviation authority in coordination with airport operations and security agencies. Once the all-clear is given, operations can resume in a controlled and sequenced manner to manage the backlog of arrivals and departures.

For passengers and crew, such an event can be unsettling, but the actions taken are designed to maximize safety above all else. The professionalism of the flight crew in executing the go-around and the seamless coordination with ATC are central to the safe outcome of such incidents. These procedures are regularly practiced in simulators to ensure pilots can respond effectively and without hesitation.

Why This Matters

This event is significant as it demonstrates the successful application of modern aviation safety procedures in a high-stakes security environment. It validates the extensive planning and real-time coordination between airlines, air traffic control, and military authorities in a region with persistent conflict. For the wider aviation industry, it serves as a case study in risk management and operational resilience, proving that commercial air travel can be maintained safely even when external threats are imminent.

For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights. Get the latest updates on major hubs, regional terminals, and airport operations via the Airports section at flying.flights/airports.